Mob Rule

Lk. 23:13-25

"but he delivered Jesus over to their will."

After examining Jesus, Pilate spoke to the chief priests, rulers, and the people telling them that he had considered their charges but had found no guilt in Jesus.  His verdict was, "I will therefore punish Him and release Him." At this statement, the crowd went berserk not accepting this verdict at all.  In spite of his proclamation, the mob cried out for Barabbas, a known insurrectionist, to be released. "As their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted." It was done!  The angry mob had swayed the judgment of Pilate. It was no longer a moral decision of right or wrong, innocence or guilt, but it was a power play that preserved his life and his rule.  The final resolution: "Pilate delivered Jesus over to their will."

What power an angry mob has!  Historically, mobs have caused rulers to flee for their lives, but does that mean a mob is right?  No, not always.  In some cases mobs result from hunger, deprivation, abuse, political dictatorship, political anarchy, or just downright evil motives.  In Jesus' case, there was no justified hunger issues, or even abuse of political leadership, but it was a spiritual struggle that ended in the cruel abuse of the Son of God. Did it have to be this way?  Yes, the Father had decreed the events, and since the Son was sinless, the mob had to have evil motives. Even though this story is so tragic, it has such redeeming values. Without Christ taking my blame and my punishment, I would not be redeemed at all.  Without Christ enduring such torturous treatment, I would not be reconciled to the Father.  Without Christ rising from the dead, I would not be raised in newness of life.  How clearly, the tragic story demonstrates how all things work together for good to those who are called according to the purpose of God.

Father,

Thank You for this redemption and for Your Son's great sacrifice.  Help me never to forget the significance that all of these events had and still have.

In His Holy Name,

Amen